Hello everyone,
I have had an IKEA Malm chest of drawers for some time now, and unfortunately, it has started to squeak when I open and close the drawers. It’s quite annoying, and I want to fix the problem using a suitable lubricant.
My question is: Which lubricant works best to effectively and permanently eliminate the squeaking of the IKEA Malm chest of drawers—especially on the metal runners or wooden parts—without damaging the plastic components or the surface? Is there anything important to keep in mind to avoid unpleasant residue or impairing the drawer mechanism?
Thanks very much for your tips and experiences!
I have had an IKEA Malm chest of drawers for some time now, and unfortunately, it has started to squeak when I open and close the drawers. It’s quite annoying, and I want to fix the problem using a suitable lubricant.
My question is: Which lubricant works best to effectively and permanently eliminate the squeaking of the IKEA Malm chest of drawers—especially on the metal runners or wooden parts—without damaging the plastic components or the surface? Is there anything important to keep in mind to avoid unpleasant residue or impairing the drawer mechanism?
Thanks very much for your tips and experiences!
I find that squeaking sounds are especially annoying with this type of furniture because you hear them all the time, especially in a quiet room. I once had a similar Malm dresser that creaked slightly. For me, silicone spray worked well, but I made sure to apply some pressure to the track soon after, meaning I repeatedly slid the drawer in and out so the lubricant would spread evenly.
I personally haven’t tried graphite powder because I’m concerned it might spread and leave black dust. However, since you think dry lubrication might help, it could be worth a try if you apply it carefully.
xhevdet64 schrieb:
Does anyone have experience using graphite powder on drawer slides?
I personally haven’t tried graphite powder because I’m concerned it might spread and leave black dust. However, since you think dry lubrication might help, it could be worth a try if you apply it carefully.
Hello xhevdet64,
Candle wax can remain quite hard depending on the type and might reduce smooth movement—especially on frequently used drawers. Talcum powder is dry but can create dust and may distribute unevenly over time.
Therefore, I would stick with proven products like silicone spray. Especially for IKEA dressers with plastic and metal parts, this lubricant usually offers the best balance between slip and cleanliness. Good luck!
xhevdet64 schrieb:
What about DIY solutions like a bit of candle wax or talcum powder?
Candle wax can remain quite hard depending on the type and might reduce smooth movement—especially on frequently used drawers. Talcum powder is dry but can create dust and may distribute unevenly over time.
Therefore, I would stick with proven products like silicone spray. Especially for IKEA dressers with plastic and metal parts, this lubricant usually offers the best balance between slip and cleanliness. Good luck!
PEDRO40 schrieb:
Personally, I haven’t tried graphite powder yet because I’m worried that the powder will spread and leave black dust behind.That’s a valid concern. Graphite is a dry lubricant, but the particles can indeed smudge and spread quite easily, including onto surrounding surfaces.
For furniture and drawer slides, silicone spray or PTFE spray is generally more suitable because it stays cleaner and doesn’t leave stains. That’s why graphite is usually recommended for precise mechanical parts where cleanliness and appearance are less important.
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